Over the past decade we have made tremendous progress in reducing traffic fatalities in many major cities – New York is a good example. City. 2009 was in fact the safest year on record since the City began collecting data in 1910; annual traffic fatalities are down by 35 percent compared to 2001.

New York’s streets are far safer than any other big city in USA country and on par with world class cities such as London, Paris or Berlin.

ER FROM THE COMMISSIONER

This first, unprecedented Pedestrian Safety Action Plan examines eight years of data about traffic crashes that have caused serious injuries or fatalities to pedestrians, and identifies underlying causes that we can address to reduce these crashes. This plan builds upon the city’s strategic plan, Sustainable Streets.

 

Designing streets that protect pedestrians and reinforce the speed limit are just one piece of the safety puzzle. NYDOT will also seek legislation to increase the City’s enforcement capabilities, to prevent dangerous speeding and red light-running. And will use its Safety Education and Communications offices to begin to transform the culture of New York City streets, building more respect and safety for all street users. We will also work with other City agencies including NYPD and the Department of Health to continue to collect better data and optimize our traffic safety initiatives.